The GLBT Center of Central Florida opened the doors Thursday to their newly renovated space.

  • GLBT Center opened new renovated area Thursday
  • New space gives them more room, can bring in more people
  • Includes a computer center, HIV testing rooms, counseling offices

In a room full of rainbows remembering the Pulse Victims, hundreds visited The Center, which sits adjacent to their main office on Mills Avenue in Downtown Orlando.

"We have the ability now to let the groups that we currently have flourish and let them grow. When we were in a temporary space everybody was cramped. Now we can allow at least 100-150 people in this room," The Center's Communications Director Terry DeCarlo said Thursday.

Moments after the doors opened, the OWL Group, or the Older Wiser and Learning senior LGBTQ group, made use of the new space with laughter and games.

"Back when I was younger we didn't have anything like this. Everyone was kind of hidden back then, so it's nice to have this now," said OWL group member Linda Fleming.

The OWL group hopes this new space will be able to help them recruit more people to their group. Officials believe it's very possible because since the Pulse tragedy, The Center has gone from seeing about 6,000 people a month to close to 8,000. 

We were told the new space, equipped with a computer center, three new HIV/STI testing rooms and new counseling offices, will help them address the growing demand.